Pantry snack rack and a bag clip therefor

ABSTRACT

A storage device for mounting to a structure and for securing and suspending bags and small items includes an elongate track for mounting to the structure and having a channel formed therein. One or more clips each having movable jaws, at least one handle for manipulating the jaws, and a runner to be received in the channel of the elongate track allow the clips to be repositioned along the elongate track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/779,657, filed Mar. 6, 2006, and incorporates the disclosure of the same herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage devices and more particularly to a pantry snack rack and a bag clip therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In home kitchen pantries, it's not uncommon to have a bunch of open, half-eaten bags of snacks or other food items either cluttering the shelves or strewn on the floor. Consequently, it can be time-consuming to search for a particular item in such cluttered pantries. Generally, bags of food generally do not weigh very much, but yet in a number of households, such items consume valuable storage space in the kitchen pantry.

Thus, it has been found that a need yet exists for another way to store pantry items that minimizes clutter while making such items more visible. It is to such a provision meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, the pantry snack rack of the present invention makes use of otherwise unusable space in a pantry for storing snack bags or other small items, which typically would take up quite a lot of room in the pantry. The pantry snack rack provides a storage unit that can be securely attached to the pantry door or wall to provide storage for snack bags, including open snack bags that are closed or secured with a bag clip, without damaging the pantry door.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pantry snack rack for use in a kitchen pantry for storing snack packages. The pantry snack rack includes a frame mounted to the pantry door or pantry wall and having a plurality of elongate tracks for receiving bag retention elements therein. The elongate tracks, which can be T-tracks, are adapted for capturing portions of the bag retention elements therein. The bag clip retention elements include spring clamps with movable jaws for releasably securing items therein and having runner portions adapted to be repositionably received in the tracks. Preferably, the runner portions are elongate to help maintain a horizontal orientation in the tracks.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a storage device for mounting to a structure and for securing and suspending bags and small items. The storage device includes an elongate track for mounting to the structure and having a channel formed therein for capturing a portion of one more bag clamps. Each clamp has movable jaws, at least one handle for manipulating the jaws, and a runner to be received in the channel of the elongate track to allow the clamp to be repositioned along the elongate track. Preferably, the runner is elongate to help maintain a horizontal orientation of the clamp in the elongate track and has rounded or tapered ends to assist in guiding the runner into the track. The track can be secured directly to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective, schematic view of a pantry snack rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, schematic view of a J-hook portion of the pantry snack rack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, schematic view of a snack bag clip of the pantry snack rack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective, schematic view of a pantry snack rack in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective, schematic view of a pantry snack rack in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front, schematic view of a pantry snack rack in accordance with still yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is perspective, schematic view of the pantry snack rack of FIG. 6 and shown in a compact configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective, schematic view of a T-track for the pantry snack rack of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of spring-biased snack bag clips in accordance with two exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front, schematic view of a pantry snack rack in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side, schematic view of a spring-biased snack bag clip in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a pantry snack rack 10 for storing snack bags in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The pantry snack rack 10 includes a frame 12 having a pair of straps 14 and 16 with a flexible fabric panel 18 secured therebetween. As shown in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the straps 14 and 16 are flexible nylon straps that secure the flexible fabric panel 18 of canvas therebetween. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the straps 14 and 16 and the panel 18 can be constructed of any material, whether flexible or inflexible, and be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the flexible fabric panel 18 can be constructed of net or mesh material. Alternatively, the straps 14 and 16 can comprise substantially inflexible rods or poles. Preferably, the length and width of the frame 12 is no larger than, and more preferably, somewhat smaller than, the length and width of a conventional pantry door. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the frame 12 can be constructed of a size and shape suitable for mounting to other structures or doors, such as kitchen cabinet doors.

Optionally, the panel 18 can include a plurality of pockets 20 therein for housing small packages of food items, such as condiments (such as ketchup packets, salad dressing packets, sugar packets, other seasoning packets, etc.), small snack bags, dry soup mix, etc. The pockets 20 can be any shape or size and can be constructed of any material. In one embodiment, the pockets 20 are constructed of the same material as the panel 18. The pockets 20 optionally can be constructed of a transparent material so that the contents of the pocket can be easily viewed. Alternatively, the pockets 20 can be constructed of an opaque material. The pockets can be open pockets, as shown in FIG. 1 or the pockets can include closures. For example, the pockets can further include flaps for providing a closure. In such embodiment, the flaps can be secured to the pockets with conventional fasteners, such as hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, zippers, or the like.

Preferably, each strap end has a door hook for attachment to one end of a pantry door. Preferably, there are four door hooks 22, 24, 26, and 28: two at the top and two at the bottom of the pantry snack rack 10, for securely attaching the pantry snack rack 10 to the pantry door. Also preferably, the lower hooks 26 and 28 each include a strap of elastic material 30 and 32 extending from the frame 12 so that the hooks can be stretched towards the bottom of the door and securely fastened thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that the pantry snack rack 10 of the present invention can also be attached to a wall of the pantry using conventional attachment techniques, such as by gluing, nailing, etc. However, the pantry snack rack 10 having the plurality of door hooks allows the pantry snack rack to be attached and detached from a pantry door as desired, without damaging the pantry door.

The straps 14 and 16 also include a plurality of recesses, slots, or pockets 40 therein for housing a plurality of bag clip retention elements 42 for supporting a plurality of bag clips 44. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the recesses 40 include a plurality of vinyl pockets permanently affixed to the straps 14 and 16. Preferably, the bag clip retention elements 42 can include a plurality of pegs 46 each having a tongue 48 extending downwardly therefrom. The tongues 48 are adapted to be supportably and removably received in the recesses 40. The pegs 46 can form generally J-shaped hooks 50, as depicted in FIG. 2, or the pegs can simply be straight pegs that extend from the frame 12. Preferably, the pegs 46 and tongues 48 are constructed of a durable material to support the bag clips 44. For example, the pegs 46 and tongues 48 can be constructed of a metal or a plastic, although those skilled in the art will understand that various materials can also be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. The pegs 46 and tongues 48 can form a single, unitary piece, or the pegs and tongues can be two separate pieces affixed to each other.

In one embodiment, snack bags can be mounted to the frame 12 using the a hole 52 in the snack bag clips (and such holes are typically located in a handle or “jaw” of conventional bag clips), as shown in FIG. 3, by hooking the same onto the pegs 46. Thus, a snack bag can be gripped by a bag clip 44 and suspended from the frame 12 using one of the pegs 46. As shown, multiple snack bags can be tiered along the length of the frame 12 of the pantry snack rack 10 so that a person can see the inventory of the snack bags. Additionally or alternatively, the clips 44 can include a tongue 54, similar to the tongue 48, extending downwardly therefrom. The tongue 54 is adapted to be supportably and removably received in the recesses 40.

FIG. 4 depicts a pantry snack rack 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The pantry snack rack 110 includes a frame 112 mounted to one side of the pantry door. The frame includes at least one lateral beam 116, and preferably a plurality of lateral beams, for adjustably supporting bag clips 144 at adjustable positions along the lateral beam. FIG. 4 shows three such beams 116, 118, and 120. In the depicted embodiment, the three beams 116, 118, and 120 comprise aluminum slide bars, although those skilled in the art will understand that various other materials can be used as well for the beams. The beams 116, 118, and 120 can be riveted near the middle of the frame 112 and at the outer edges of the frame so as to provide a foldable pantry snack rack 110. In this regard, the beams remain straight and the fabric panel folds up accordion-style (or rolls up). Foldable pantry snack racks can be shipped more easily and stored in a compact configuration.

Preferably, the pantry snack rack 110 includes an upper door hook 122 and a lower door hook 126, which are hooked over the top and bottom, respectively, of the pantry door to secure the frame 112 to one side of the door. The depicted embodiment in FIG. 4 shows one upper hook 122 located near the middle of the frame 112 and one lower hook 126 for clarity of illustration; however, there can be two or more upper hooks and two or more lower hooks (one near each corner) for stabilizing the pantry snack rack 110. Optionally, one or more of the door hooks can be adjustable in length so as to accommodate various pantry doors and shelves. To further secure the pantry snack rack 110 to the door, the pantry snack rack preferably is at least partially adhered to the door with, for example, pressure sensitive adhesive 130 or hook and loop material. Those skilled in the art will understand that the pantry snack rack 110 also can be permanently, semi-permanently, or releasably affixed to the pantry door with conventional fasteners and fastening techniques.

The lateral beams 116, 118, and 120 have recesses 140 formed therein for receiving tongues (not shown) of the pegs 146 to support the bag clips 144. The pegs 146 and associated tongues can be repositioned along the length of the lateral beams for accommodating more or fewer snack bags and for accommodating larger or smaller snack bags. The bag clips 144 are secured to the pegs 146 in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a pantry snack rack 210 according to another embodiment of the present invention for attachment to a pantry shelf. The pantry snack rack 210 includes a frame 212 having a pair of side straps 214 and 216 and a pair of upper over the shelf attachment hooks 222 and 224 for attachment to a shelf. Preferably, the attachment hooks 222 and 224 span the depth of the pantry shelf and hook behind the shelf for securely attaching the pantry snack rack 210 to the shelf. Thus, the straps 214 and 216 preferably extend downwardly from the shelf near the inner walls of the pantry. The straps 214 and 216 can include pegs 246 and associated tongues secured in recesses 240 therein for mounting snack bag clips 244 thereon, as described with respect to FIG. 1. Optionally, the frame 212 can include lower hooks for engaging a lower shelf or a pressure sensitive adhesive or other fastener for more securely attaching the pantry snack rack 210 to the shelves of the pantry.

Alternatively, instead of being mounted to the pantry door or pantry wall, the pantry snack rack could be mounted to the shelves of the pantry. In such a configuration, the pantry snack rack would typically be somewhat narrow, perhaps a foot wide or less, so as to provide good access to the contents of the shelves. In this regard, the pantry snack rack could be mounted to the shelves at one end thereof, to better allow a user to reach around the pantry snack rack to reach the contents of the shelves without removing the pantry snack rack.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a pantry snack rack 310 for storing snack bags in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The pantry snack rack 310 includes a frame 312 having a pair of vertical supports 314 and 316 with a flexible fabric panel 318 secured therebetween. As shown, the vertical supports 314 and 316 are rigid rails, rods, or poles that secure a flexible fabric panel 318 of material therebetween. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the vertical supports 314 and 316 can be flexible straps and constructed of any durable material, whether flexible such as nylon or inflexible, and be within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the dimensions of the frame 312 are no larger than, and more preferably, somewhat smaller than, the height and width of a conventional pantry door. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the frame 312 can be constructed of a size and shape suitable for mounting to other structures, walls, surfaces, or doors, such as kitchen cabinet doors.

Additionally, the vertical supports 314 and 316 can further include a hole 320 for receiving a screw or other conventional fastener and a male snap head 322 at each distal end, as shown in FIG. 7. Screws or other conventional fasteners can be received through holes such that the pantry snack rack 310 can be secured directly to a wall or door. Alternatively, a plurality of flexible straps 324, each having a female snap head 326 at one end and a hook 327 at the other, can mate with the male snap heads 322 on the vertical supports. Additionally, a ring 328 can be used to attach the hook to the strap. The straps 324 can comprise an elastic material that stretches to fit any size door. Alternatively, the straps 324 can be constructed of any material, with at least two of the straps further including elastic portions coupled thereto, such as those shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the straps 324 allow the pantry snack rack 310 to be attached and detached from a pantry door as desired, without damaging the pantry door.

The panel 318 can be constructed of a durable, yet flexible fabric such as canvas or vinyl. Alternatively, the panel 318 can be constructed of a generally inflexible or rigid material, such as plastic. Optionally, the panel 318 can include a plurality of pockets 329 therein for housing small packages of food items, such as condiments (such as ketchup packets, salad dressing packets, sugar packets, other seasoning packets, etc.), small snack bags, dry soup mix, etc. The pockets 329 can be any shape or size and can be constructed of any material. In one embodiment, the pockets 329 are constructed of the same material as the panel 318. The pockets 329 optionally can be constructed of a transparent material so that the contents of the pocket can be easily viewed. Alternatively, the pockets 329 can be constructed of an opaque material. The pockets can be open pockets, as shown in FIG. 6 or the pockets can include conventional closures and/or a flap that is secured to the pocket with conventional fasteners (such as hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, zippers, or the like).

At least one, and preferably a plurality of elongate T-tracks extend between the vertical supports 314 and 316. FIGS. 6 and 7 show three such T-tracks 330, 332, and 334. The T-tracks 330, 332, and 334 provide an arrangement by which a spring biased bag clip or clamp 400 or 440 of the present invention (as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10) can be positioned in various positions along the T-tracks. The T-tracks 330, 332, and 334 are adapted for capturing portions of the bag clips therein so that bags can be suspended from the clips. Preferably, the T-tracks 330, 332, and 334 are spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to allow a plurality of snack bags to be suspended therefrom and to be visible without obstructing the view of the others bags.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed perspective view of the T-track 330 of FIGS. 6 and 7. T-track 330 is substantially similar to T-tracks 332 and 334, and as such, T-tracks 332 and 334 are not discussed in detail herein. The T-track 330 includes a channel 340 for sliding a spring biased bag clip, such as clip 400, therealong. The top and/or bottom of the edges T-tracks can be rounded so as to guide a spring-loaded chip clip of the present invention therein. Alternatively, other suitable track arrangements can be provided. Preferably, the T-track 330 is constructed of a durable material, such as, but not limited to, extruded aluminum or other metal, extruded plastic, or wood, although those skilled in the art will understand that various other durable materials may be suitable for use as well. In the depicted embodiment, the T-track 330 has a length of about 18 inches, a height of about 1.25 inches, a width of about 0.375 of an inch, and a thickness of about 0.125 of an inch, although those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions can vary and still be within the scope of the present invention.

The T-track 330 further includes an aperture 342 and 344 at each end for attachment to the vertical supports 314 and 316. Thus, the T-track 330 can be secured to the vertical supports 314 and 316 with rivets or other suitable conventional fasteners. Preferably, the apertures 342 and 344 are countersunk such that when a screw or other fastener is secured therein, the fastener will lie flush with or below the surface of the T-track. In one embodiment, during the manufacture of the pantry snack rack 310, any of the two T-tracks can be secured at both ends to the vertical supports 314 and 316, while a third T-track is secured at only one end to one vertical support. As depicted in FIG. 7, T-tracks 330 and 334 are secured to both vertical supports 314 and 316, and the T-track 332 is secured only to the vertical support 316, but not to the vertical support 314. The opposite end of the T-track 332 can be secured in place by the user during the installation of the pantry snack rack 310 with a conventional fastener. In such embodiment, the pantry snack rack 310 can be collapsed into a compact configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, for shipment and storage when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a bag clip or clamp 400 of the present invention is shown. The bag clip 400 includes a pair of jaws, namely front jaw 402 and rear jaw 404 pivotally coupled together about a pivot pin 406. Each jaw includes a lever arm or handle 410 and 412. Together, the jaw and the lever arm define a generally T-shaped structure. Each jaw further includes a jaw face, although for ease of illustration only jaw face 414 is shown. The jaws 402 and 404 can be constructed of a hard plastic and can include a variety of shapes and sizes. Preferably, the size and shape of the jaws are suitable for use with the pantry snack racks of the present invention. Other suitable materials can be employed as well. Those skilled in the art will understand how to construct a suitable jaw. The outer surface 418 of the front jaw 402 can include a recess 420 for receiving a decal of a logo or other indicia, as shown in FIG. 6. The recess 420 can be any shape or size. Alternatively, indicia can be pressed or stamped into the jaw 402. Additionally, the outer surfaces of the front and rear lever arms 410 and 412 can include finger grips 421, such as raised rubber bumps or strips for aiding the user in gripping the lever arms.

The bag clip 400 includes at least one, and preferably two springs 422 and 424, for urging the level arms 410 and 412 away from one another, which in turn causes the jaws 402 and 404 to close. Preferably, the tension of the springs 422 and 424 are sufficient to hold securely a snack bag but not so strong that the user of the clip would have to exert great effort to open the clip and insert a bag therein. The jaw faces 414 can further include a resilient rubber strip 426 permanently affixed thereto for further gripping a bag and for preventing the bag from slipping between the jaws 402 and 404. Those skilled in the art will understand how to construct the rubber strips 426.

The rear jaw 402 of the bag clip 400 further includes a runner 430 protruding therefrom. The runner 430 is sized and shaped to slide within a T-track. The runner 430 is captured within a T-track with a smooth sliding, or non-interference, fit. As depicted in FIG. 9, the runner 430 is generally round. Alternatively, the runner 430 can be a roller. Still alternatively, a runner 450 can be generally elongate to help maintain a horizontal orientation in the T-track, as depicted in the spring biased bag clip 440 of FIG. 10. Preferably, the elongate runner 450 has rounded or tapered ends to assist in guiding the runner 450 into the T-tracks. For example, the runner of FIG. 10 is generally racetrack-shaped. Still alternatively, the runner can be constructed of any suitable shape, such as oval-shaped, etc.

FIG. 11 depicts a pantry snack rack 510 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The pantry snack rack 510, includes at least one T-track. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 11, three such T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 are included. The T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 are substantially similar to the T-tracks 330, 332, and 334 of FIGS. 6 and 7 and thus are not discussed in detail. The T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 can be secured or fastened to a vertical surface with conventional fasteners. For example, the T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 can be attached to the wall with an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment, the T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 are constructed with an adhesive backing such that user can simply remove a strip of protective material to reveal the adhesive. In other embodiments, the T-tracks can be glued or otherwise fastened, such as with screws, to the vertical surface. Thus, the user can attach each T-track at any desired location.

In another embodiment, the T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 can be secured to a horizontal surface so as to suspend bags therefrom. For example, the T-tracks 512, 514, and 516 can be secured to the underside of a cabinet, shelf, table, etc. Such configuration may be particularly advantageous on boats and recreational vehicles. In such embodiment, a spring-loaded bag clip 540 includes a runner 550 that is preferably located at or near the top of the rear lever arm 544, as depicted in FIG. 12. The spring-loaded bag clip 540 is substantially similar to the spring loaded bag clips 400 and 440 with the exception of the configuration of the runner 550. Alternatively, the runner 550 can be located at or near the top of the front lever arm 542 or extending from at or near the pivot pin 546. The runner 550 can be any of the shapes described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 or it can be a roller.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

1. A pantry snack rack for use in a kitchen pantry for storing snack packages, the pantry having a pantry wall or pantry door and the pantry snack rack comprising: a frame mounted to the pantry door or pantry wall and having a plurality of elongate tracks for receiving bag retention elements therein; and a plurality of bag retention elements received in the tracks for supporting bags upon the frame.
 2. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongate tracks are adapted for capturing portions of the bag retention elements therein.
 3. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame further comprises a pair of upright rigid frame elements connecting and secured to the plurality of elongate tracks.
 4. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 3 wherein the upright rigid frame elements are provided with fastener holes to facilitate fastening the frame directly to the pantry door or pantry wall, and wherein the pantry snack rack is further provided with attachable/detachable straps for securing the pantry snack rack to a pantry door, the upright rigid frame elements further being provided with snap fasteners for securing the straps thereto.
 5. A pantry snack rack of claim 4, wherein the pantry snack rack can be collapsed into a compact configuration.
 6. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 2 wherein the tracks comprise T-tracks.
 7. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 2 wherein the bag clip retention elements comprise spring clamps with movable jaws for releasably securing items therein and having runner portions adapted to be repositionably received in the tracks.
 8. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 7 wherein the runner portions are elongate to help maintain a horizontal orientation in the tracks.
 9. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 7 wherein the runner portions have rounded or tapered ends to assist in guiding the runner portions into the tracks.
 10. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is adapted to be secured directly to the pantry door or pantry wall.
 11. A pantry snack rack as claimed in claim 1 further comprising straps secured to the frame and hooks secured to the straps for securing the frame to the pantry door.
 12. A storage device for mounting to a structure and for securing and suspending bags and small items, the storage device comprising: an elongate track for mounting to the structure and having a channel formed therein; and one or more clamps each having movable jaws, at least one handle for manipulating the jaws, and a runner to be received in the channel of the elongate track to allow the clamp to be repositioned along the elongate track.
 13. A storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the elongate track is adapted for capturing the runner therein.
 14. A storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the runner is elongate to help maintain a horizontal orientation of the clamp in the elongate track.
 15. A storage device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the runner has rounded or tapered ends to assist in guiding the runner into the track.
 16. A storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the track can be secured directly to a vertical surface or a horizontal surface.
 17. A storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the track comprises a T-track. 